Sixth Grade Language Arts
Grades Offered: 6
SDE Course Code: 0601
MNPS Course Code: ENG1076Y
Course Description
This course encompasses a correlated study of reading, language development, literature, composition, listening, and speaking based upon the adopted District Academic Standards for Reading, Writing, Elements of Language, Listening, and Speaking. In addition, this course will prepare students to demonstrate success on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test. The study of language arts at the sixth grade level integrates the reading/literature skills with the study of language mechanics, writing, spelling, and vocabulary to create a well-rounded, balanced language arts program. The curriculum centers around the literature provided in the adopted texts and the literature designated in the Essential Literature initiative. The required and choice literary selections are read and studied in the language arts class, not the reading class.
Essential Literature (K-12) is designed to ensure that all students read a minimum number of quality literary works, discuss them in depth, and engage in writing opportunities related to the literature. There are four components to Essential Literature: the required reading titles, school choice titles delineated by grade level, alternative texts for use when a book has been challenged by a parent, and adapted texts for use with special needs students (special education and English language learners). http://www.mnps.org/AssetFactory.aspx?did=5997
The texts read in language arts are integrated with the skills delineated in the MNPS District Academic Standards for sixth grade. Students engage in process writing and timed writing. Each six weeks, a minimum of three writing assignments reflecting the various domains in the MNPS Writing Standards should be assessed using an analytical, holistic, and/or primary trait process.
Course of Study
The student will develop the reading skills necessary for word recognition, comprehension, interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and appreciation of the written text. The student will also develop the structural and creative skills necessary to produce written language that can be read and interpreted by various audiences. Additionally, the student will use, read, and view media/technology and analyze content and concepts accurately and will express ideas clearly and effectively in a variety of oral contexts and apply active listening skills in the analysis and evaluation of spoken ideas. While this sample outline is arranged by theme, other formats may be considered. Bulleted themes may require more, or less, than six-weeks of instruction.
MNPS Language Arts Website http://www.mnps.org/PageFactory.aspx?PageID=2287
Standards
MNPS Reading Standards http://www.mnps.org/PageFactory.aspx?PageID=3342
MNPS Writing Standards http://www.mnps.org/PageFactory.aspx?PageID=3247
MNPS Listening and Speaking Standards http://www.mnps.org/PageFactory.aspx?PageID=3352
MNPS Academic Vocabulary – http://www.mnps.org/AssetFactory.aspx?did=9880
Required State or District Assessments
TCAP Achievement Test – Grade 6 http://www.state.tn.us/education/assessment/tsachitems.shtml
Textbooks
Afflerbach, Peter, et. al. Great Expectations. Glenview, IL: Scott Foresman, 2000. (Basal Adopted 2001).
Buckner, Joyce, et. al. Language Arts. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001. (Basal Adopted 2004).
Required Essential Literature Student Copies (Via Media Center)
The required and choice literary selections are read and studied in the language arts class, not the reading class.
· Crispin: The Cross of Lead - Avi
· Dragonwings – Laurence Yep
· Holes – Louis Sachar
· For school’s choice selection titles see English Department Chairperson or Media Specialist
Essential Literature High Interest/Fundamental Vocabulary Student Copies (Via Media Center)
· A Week in the Woods – Andrew Clements
· Top Secret – John Gardner
· Through My Eyes – Ruby Bridges (Non Fiction Selection)
Recommended and/or Required Resources:
MNPS Graduate and 12 – K Academic Standards http://www.mnps.org/Page3241.aspx
Curriculum Alignment Guide for Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking – Grade 6
Classroom set of Dictionaries (25 per set)
Classroom set of Thesauruses (25 per set)
Survival
A Sample Unit:
The following unit provides samples of texts that exemplify various types of connections (e.g., literary, thematic, skill-based, etc.) The intent is to provide a springboard of ideas for teachers; it is not meant to dictate specific text choices or course structures.
· Survival
-Sample Texts might include but are not limited to…
o Holes-Louis Sachar (Essential Literature – Required Title)
o “From A Spark” – Gary Paulsen (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations,Vol. 1)
o “The Day of the Turtle” - Michael Morpurgo (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol. 1)
o “Storm-a-Dust” – Virginia Hamilton (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol. 1)
o Teacher selection of poetry related to the theme of Survival
o Holes - film clips
General Reading Objectives - The student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 6 Reading Standards)
o identify how the author reveals character (physical characteristics, dialogue, what other characters say about them, characters own actions).
o develop skills in making inferences and recognizing unstated assumptions.
o demonstrate an understanding of story elements (plot, theme, character, setting).
General Listening and Speaking Objectives - The student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 6 Listening and Speaking Standards)
o demonstrate effective interpersonal skills in group discussions.
o orally respond and connect literature to real life characters.
o use active listening skills.
General Elements of Language Objectives - The student will…(Refer to MNPS Grade 6 Writing Standards)
o identify singular, plural, possessive nouns correctly within context.
o select the appropriate verb to complement the subject.
o learn and effectively use MNPS academic vocabulary (e.g., inflection, values, resolution).
General Writing Objectives - The student will…(Refer to MNPS Grade 6 Writing Standards)
o write frequently for a variety of purposes including narration, description, persuasion, exposition, and creative expression.
o use literature as a model for his/her writing.
o use graphic organizers to help structure his/her writing.
Sample Writing Assignments for Assessment (Refer to MNPS Writing Standards) Please note that a minimum of three writing assignments should be assessed each six weeks.
· Personal narrative or journal entry about a time in the student’s life when he/she survived a difficult experience
· Character analysis of one character from a text read
· Comparison/contrast between a portion of a book and a clip from the movie version of the book
· Description of a place from one of the selections read
Self Discovery
A Sample Unit
The following unit provides samples of texts that exemplify various types of connections (e.g., literary, thematic, skill-based, etc.) The intent is to provide a springboard of ideas for teachers; it is not meant to dictate specific text choices or course structures.
· Self Discovery
- Sample Texts might include but are not limited to…
o Crispin: The Cross of Lead - Avi (Essential Literature – Required Title)
o “Teammates”- Peter Golenback (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol. 1)
o “April’s Mud” – Carolyn Meyer (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol. 1)
o The Wizard of Oz - film clip from a scene
o “Andre” - Gwendolyn Brooks (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol. 1)
o “Who Will Teach Me?” – Nancy Wood (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol.1)
o “The New Suit” – Nidia Sanabria de Romero (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol. 1)
General Reading Objectives - The student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 6 Reading Standards)
o identify cause and effect relationship using a graphic organizer.
o predict future events.
o create questions to clarify thinking.
o learn and effectively use MNPS academic vocabulary (e.g., flashback, irony, genre).
General Listening and Speaking Objectives - The student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 6 Listening and Speaking Standards)
o demonstrate effective interpersonal skills in group discussions.
o use active listening skills.
o participate respectfully in the exchange of ideas.
General Elements of Language Objectives - The student will…(Refer to MNPS Grade 6 Writing Standards)
o develop sentences that are clear, varied, and appropriate to the audience.
o use pronouns appropriately (e.g., proper pronoun case, objects of prepositions, agreement with antecedents in person and number, indefinite, relative, and demonstrative pronouns).
General Writing Objectives - The student will…(Refer to MNPS Grade 6 Writing Standards)
o identify and write for a variety of audiences.
o identify the purpose for writing (i.e., to inform, to describe, to explain, to persuade).
o compose the draft with an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.
o use precise language including vivid words, colorful modifiers, and figurative language.
o revise writing to focus on purpose.
Sample Writing Assignments for Assessment (Refer to MNPS Writing Standards)Please note that a minimum of three writing assignments should be assessed each six weeks.
· Creation of a family tree with explanations and annotations
· Rewriting the ending of a story
· Journal entry from Crispin’s point of view detailing his experiences with Bear
· Rewriting of a passage from the book using a different time and place
· A 35-minute timed writing in which students respond to a prompt asking them to reflect upon a time when they made an improper decision and what they might change if a similar decision had to be made today
Follow Your Dreams
A Sample Unit:
The following unit provides samples of texts that exemplify various types of connections (e.g., literary, thematic, skill-based, etc.) The intent is to provide a springboard of ideas for teachers; it is not meant to dictate specific text choices or course structures.
· Follow Your Dreams
- Sample Texts might include but are not limited to…
o Dragonwings - Laurence Yep (Essential Literature – Required Title)
o “Elizabeth Blackwell: Medical Pioneer”- Joanna Halpert Kraus (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol. 1)
o “Winners Never Quit” – Carol Krucoff (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol. 1)
o “Casey at the Bat” – Ernest Lawrence Thayer (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol. 1)
o Film clips of historical footage of San Francisco earthquake/fire, Wright Brothers, Chinese Immigration
General Reading Objectives - The student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 6 Reading Standards)
o use comprehension strategies to enhance understanding, to make predictions, and respond to literature.
o identify cause and effect relationship using a graphic organizer.
o demonstrate an understanding of story elements (plot, theme, character, setting, conflict).
o learn and effectively use MNPS academic vocabulary (e.g., ethnic, values,).
General Listening and Speaking Objectives - The student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 6 Listening and Speaking Standards)
o use media to view, read, and write
o use active listening skills.
o use multimedia to create and explain information.
General Elements of Language Objectives - The student will…(Refer to MNPS Grade 6 Writing Standards)
o use complete and simple predicates in sentences.
o write sentences using action and linking verbs.
o understand verb tenses, including present, past, and future tenses, and use them in sentences.
o use complex sentences.
General Writing Objectives - The student will…(Refer to MNPS Grade Writing Standards)
o write frequently for a variety of purposes including narration, description, persuasion, exposition, and creative expression.
o identify and write for a variety of audiences.
o use literature as a model for student writing.
o complete a graphic organizer (i.e., clustering, listing, mapping, and webbing) with information from notes for a writing selection.
Sample Writing Assignments for Assessment (Refer to MNPS Writing Standards)Please note that a minimum of three writing assignments should be assessed each six weeks.
· Letter to relatives in China describing life in America
· Journal entry in the voice of an immigrant detailing the hardships encountered
· Detailed, sequenced description of the process of kite making.